Canada Updates Start-Up Visa Programs to Cut Backlogs, Speed Process

Immigration is vital for Canada's economic and community growth. To ensure a smoother immigration process, significant steps are being taken to reduce waiting times and modernize the system for both newcomers and Canadians.

Today, Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced changes to Canada’s federal business immigration programs to address application backlogs and enhance processing times. These updates will be implemented on April 30, 2024.

The Start-up Visa Program will undergo several improvements. One key change is encouraging designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups, and business incubators to prioritize the most promising business proposals. To achieve this, the number of permanent residence applications accepted each year will be limited to those linked with no more than ten start-ups per designated organization. Additionally, priority processing will be given to entrepreneurs backed by Canadian capital or supported by a business incubator that is part of Canada’s Tech Network. This applies to both existing applications and new submissions.

Minister Miller also announced a temporary halt on new applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program starting April 30, 2024. This program offers a pathway to permanent residence for individuals with significant experience in arts, culture, recreation, or sports, contributing to Canada’s cultural landscape. Due to a high volume of applications, processing times have exceeded four years. The pause will allow Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process existing applications while exploring ways to improve and uphold the program’s integrity.

Restricting new applications until the end of 2026, combined with planned increases in admissions for the federal business category as outlined in the 2024–2026 multi-year levels plan, will help reduce the backlog. This approach aims to lower wait times while continuing to attract talented, innovative, and entrepreneurial individuals essential for Canada's economic growth.

The focus is on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Canada’s immigration system. By modernizing and streamlining processes, the goal is to create a more responsive system that meets the needs of both newcomers and the nation.

In summary, these changes to the Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs are designed to reduce backlogs and improve processing times. This strategic approach underscores the importance of immigration in bolstering Canada’s economy and community vitality, ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for talented and entrepreneurial newcomers.